Technical Officer, Traditional Medicine

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) is one of WHO's 6 regional offices around the world. It serves the WHO African Region, which comprises 47 Member States with the Regional Office in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. As the lead health authority, AFRO works with the Member States and development partners to improve the health and well-being of people. This work involves translation of global health initiatives into regional plans that respond to the specific needs and challenges of countries in the Region. AFRO supports countries to achieve better health outcomes through technical and policy advice, development of national health policies and strategies, norms and standards, generation and sharing of knowledge and convening health partners. Its main areas of work include health sector development, combating communicable and non-communicable diseases, preparedness and response plan or emergencies and help mothers and children survive and thrive.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of MIM Team Leader or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Technical Officer for blood safety, organ and tissue transplants will provide support to countries to: • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor. Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of MIM Team Leader or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Technical Officer for Traditional Medicine will provide support to countries to: • Develop policies, strategic plans and regulatory frameworks to facilitate the integration of traditional and complementary medicine practitioners, practices, and products into health systems. • Support countries conduct research and development and operational research to ensure the safety, efficacy, quality of traditional and complementary medicine products as well as reliable, sustainable, and accepted practices in the field of traditional and complementary medicine. • Support countries to document best practices, identify challenges and areas for improvement for the development of plans of work to strengthen national capacity in traditional and complementary medicine. • Support countries to develop national frameworks for the protection of traditional medical knowledge and intellectual property rights; Support countries for the cultivation, conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants and local manufacturing of herbal medicines to improve access to pharmaceuticals. Support countries to regulate traditional and complementary medicine products, practitioners and practices. • Develop norms, standards, and guidelines as related to traditional medicine; • Monitor and analyse trends and cross-cutting activities to inform national traditional medicine programmes and other Member States. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities: Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities. 'Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; o Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; •Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Competencies: (1) Communicating in a credible and effective way. (2) Knowing and managing yourself (3) Producing results (4) Moving forward in a changing environment (5) Fostering integration and teamwork (6) Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences (7) Setting an example (8) Creating an empowering and motivating environment (9) Ensuring the effective use of resources (10) Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond (11) Driving WHO to a successful future (12) Promoting innovation and organizational learning (13) Promoting who's position in health leadership Values:

At least 5 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in traditional and complementary medicine, or other relevant programmes; experience with pharmaceuticals is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; Experience in policy formulation and regulatory frameworks, strategic and policy planning as well as sound understanding of health systems; Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulationy reporting skills;

[The Republic of Congo is a low-middle income country, located in Central Africa sub-region. The country shares boundaries with Gabon in the South-Westl Cameroon and Central Republic Africa in bÖe the North and North East, the Democratic Republic of Congo in the East, Angola and Atlantic Ocean in the South. Since 2014, the Republic of Congo is experiencing an economic downturn, affecting the economic growth (-5 per cent in 2017). Because of the persistent drop in the price of oil, this situation drove the decline of the gross domestic product per capita, from $3,196 in 2013 to $1 ,658 in 2017. Nevertheless, the country is globally stable and safe in the main urban and rural areas. Frequent disruptions are recorded in the electricity supply, particularly in Brazzaville (political capital) and PointeNoire (economic capital). The living cost is relatively affordable, but some concerns with the cost of decent housing should be noted. The population enjoys dressing in style and loves music both profane and religious. According to United Nations security standards, life and travel in Brazzaville and in the other major areas are secure. The Republic of Congo is a unique country. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.